2021 Audi Q3 35 — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 2,388 MOT tests analysed for the 2021 Audi Q3 35, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, brakes and visibility. Its pass rate of 92.2% was in line with the average for cars of a similar age (91.2%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 17.2% in the 60-90k group versus 5.3% in the 0-30k group.

Pass rate

2,388

MOT tests analysed

7.8%

Fail rate

in line with

vs cars of similar age

3.5

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 2021 Audi Q3 35
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Tyres	5.1%	123
2	Brakes	1.8%	44
3	Visibility	1.8%	42
4	Lighting & signalling	0.6%	15
5	Seat belts & restraints	0.3%	6
6	Suspension	0.3%	6

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 2021 Audi Q3 35
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Tread depth	78
2	Brake pads	38
3	Washers	33
4	Headlamp aim	14
5	Service brake performance	12
6	Wipers	10

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 2021 Audi Q3 35
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Tyres	23.7%	566
2	Brakes	17.1%	409
3	Other defects	8.8%	210
4	Suspension	4.8%	115
5	Visibility	2.8%	66
6	Lighting & signalling	0.4%	10

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 2021 Q3 35
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
0-30k	1,277	5.3%
30-60k	996	9.9%
60-90k	99	17.2%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

By fuel type

Fail rate by fuel type — 2021 Q3 35
Fuel	Tests	Fail rate
Petrol	2,262	7.6%
Diesel	126	11.1%

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 2021 Q3 35
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2023	59	6.8%
2024	1,176	8.0%
2025	1,152	7.6%

What to check before buying a 2021 Q3 35

Before buying a 2021 Audi Q3 35, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 5.1% of tests for this year.

Tyres (5.1% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Brakes (1.8% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Visibility (1.8% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 2021 Audi Q3 35s pass their MOT?

92.2% of the 2,388 2021 Audi Q3 35 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 7.8% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Audi Q3 35?

Tyres, recorded in 5.1% of tests, followed by brakes (1.8%).

Does the 2021 Q3 35 get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.3% in the 0-30k band to 17.2% in the 60-90k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 2,388 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.